Didier Deschamps signs extension with French national team

The France Football Federation announced Thursday that coach DidierDeschamps has signed a contract extension that will keep him in charge of the national team through the 2018 World Cup, which will take place in Russia.

Deschamps, a former Juventus midfielder, was hired by Les Bleusin July 2012. His French team advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil before falling to Germany.

France will host the UEFA Euro 2016 next summer, and Deschamps has guided the team to wins over Spain, Portugal and Sweden in the lead-up to the tournament.

France's next match is a friendly against Brazil on March 26. Les Bleus then host Denmark on March 29.